Fire Incident Sparks EV Safety Concerns

The recent incident of a Bajaj Chetak electric scooter catching fire has sparked concerns among major companies and the public alike. Last week, an unfortunate fire incident involving a Chetak scooter became the talk of the town, with social media users poking fun at Bajaj Auto’s Managing Director, Rajiv Bajaj. This comes in light of his recent remark, “Ola is Ola, but Chetak is a flame” (referring to its excellence). Now, with the fire incident, many are sarcastically pointing out how his statement turned out to be literal.

The incident occurred on a busy road in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra, where smoke was seen emanating from the scooter. Two farmers stopped at a signal noticed the smoke coming from their vehicle. Alarmed, they quickly moved the scooter to the roadside. The fire department was alerted and responded promptly, spraying water on the scooter to contain the situation. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

A video of the incident went viral on social media, leading Bajaj Auto to initiate an investigation. A company spokesperson informed PTI that they are aware of the incident and have begun a detailed inquiry.

The timing of the incident is notable, as it coincides with Rajiv Bajaj’s recent claim that the Chetak is the best-selling electric scooter in India. His statement, “Chetak is a flame,” has now drawn both criticism and humor from the public. This incident raises serious questions about the safety of Bajaj’s electric vehicles and may reignite debates over the reliability of EVs in general.

For context, the Bajaj Chetak electric scooter is priced between ₹99,998 and ₹1.39 lakh (ex-showroom). It boasts a single-charge range of 123 km and a top speed of 63 km/h. Known for its stylish looks and advanced features, the scooter has consistently been a strong performer in monthly sales. However, this safety lapse could potentially impact its reputation and sales momentum.